Paper short abstract:

The present paper explores the possibility of an aesthetics of photography constructed in a dialogue across photography, storytelling and curation, vernacular and global influences on the basis of a couple of performances/exhibitions by Delhi-based director and lighting designer Zuleikha Chaudhary.

Paper long abstract:

Tapping onto a couple of performances/exhibitions by Delhi-based director and lighting designer Zuleikha Chaudhary that have colonial photographs as their core focus, the present paper aims to explore the possibility of an aesthetics of photography constructed in a dialogue across photography, storytelling and curation and across vernacular and global influences. In the context of Chaudhary's work photographs cease to be indexical and representational items. Rather they are transparent tools, proper passages or portals bringing different media and forms of narration in touch with each other. Her position inserts not only elements of Indian visual culture in the terrain of photography but highlights also topics that can be observed in the contexts of emerging digital visualities. Her work hence call us to stitch together not only India and the West but also the past with the present. In this presentation I will also insert reflections regarding on my own personal experience with photographic self-portraiture and address matters of multidimensionality and materiality, of efficacy and magic, of resonance and wonder.